Since the early nineties, there have been dramatic strides made in the department of electric toothbrushes, and dentists have long since begun recommending that we make the switch from manual to electric. This is because electric toothbrushes, with their vibrations, oscillations and pulses, are simply more effective cleaning tools, effortlessly outstripping their manual counterparts when it comes to the removal of plaque from teeth and gums.

Philips Sonicare Overview

Philips Sonicare toothbrushes are amongst the most popular on the market. They utilise innovative sonic cleaning technology to generate 62,000 brush strokes per minute, which enables them to clean by both mechanical scrubbing as well as a secondary route whereby water, saliva and toothpaste are whipped up into microbubbles that go between your teeth and disrupt plaque in previously unreachable places. These toothbrushes fall into the bracket called ‘sonic’ because the number of vibrations the toothbrush makes per minute is within the frequency of sounds that humans can hear (between 20 and 20,000 Hz). Philips claim that their Sonicare brushes remove up to ten times more plaque than a manual toothbrush, and state that the cleansing microbubbles that are propelled between your teeth in that all important secondary cleaning action remove up to 100% more plaque in hard to reach places.

Oral B Technology Overview

Oral-B has a wide range of electric toothbrushes available, and all come with the brand’s distinctive circular head. Oral-B claim that this round brush head is central to the toothbrush’s efficacy, and that they have worked according to dentist’s advice in creating a brush that ‘cups’ each tooth resulting in superior plaque removal. Oral-B brushes use a rotating-oscillating technology as compared to Philips brushes’ vibrating technology. This means that the entire head of an Oral-B brush will rotate one way and then the other, and the user must simply guide the brush gradually from one tooth to another to let it do its work. An added bonus is that the Oral B brush will also pulse forward and backward as many as 48,800 times a minute, which creates the same non-contact cleaning effect as with the Philips Sonicare range, meaning that plaque can be similarly dislodged from in between the teeth.

Philips Sonicare vs Oral-B Differences

So, the differences between the two brands’ brushes begins with the types of technology used – vibrating vs rotating-oscillating.

Philips Sonicare toothbrushes vibrate at extremely high speeds whereas Oral-B brushes rotate one way and then the other whilst pulsating, which they say allows the brush to first break up plaque and then sweep it away. Secondly, whilst both brands use ergonomical hand grips to make their toothbrushes easy to use, they deploy different shaped brush heads. Oral-B offer more variation in brush head styles but favour their trademark round brush, whereas Philips use the same shaped heads as a traditional manual toothbrush, which some users prefer as it is more similar to what they are used to. Sonicare toothbrushes manage more vibrations per minute than Oral-B brushes’ pulsations, at 62,000 as compared to 48,800.

Philips Sonicare vs Oral-B Features

Are there any individual features which elevate one brush over another? Well, if you tend to be an overzealous brusher, then you might be interested to know that most of the Oral-B range boats a pressure sensor that notifies you if you press too hard, which means you can adjust your technique and protect your gum health (only the Philips Sonicare Flexcare brush has this feature). Oral-B brush heads are larger and cheaper to replace, and the actual toothbrushes themselves are generally cheaper. Yet Philips Sonicare brushes have a superior battery life, with their most advanced models lasting up to three weeks before a recharge is necessary, whereas Oral-B brushes will need recharging after ten days or less.

Sonicare vs Oral-B Who win?

Oral-B

Further to this, Oral-B brushes tend to offer more brushing modes, although most users will only end up using the primary brushing function. The Philips Sonicare Flexcare toothbrush comes with a UV sanitiser, which is a clever new way of getting rid of microorganisms from your brush’s bristles making for a cleaner and more hygienic toothbrush. Oral-B, on the other hand, offers Bluetooth connectivity with three of its brushes, meaning that your brush will connect with your phone and track the quality of your brushing. The Philips DiamondClean comes with a snazzy dual charging system which means you can simply place your brush in its glass after brushing and it will automatically charge, and you can also charge it with your laptop using a USB – perfect if you travel a lot. Lastly, the Oral-B Precision 7000 has a tongue-cleaning mode, which is as of yet not offered by any Sonicare toothbrush.

Sonicare vs Oral-B

So in the battle of Sonicare vs Oral B, which brand comes out on top? Well, the answer is that both manufacturers dominate almost the entire electric toothbrush market because they offer excellent products that clean your teeth much more comprehensively and safely than manual toothbrushes. As you can see above, both brands have their own unique features from model to model within their ranges, and so it might well be a case of finding one feature that suits you (like ease of charging for travel, or Bluetooth compatibility) and plumping for that brush. There are similarities between the brands; both offer built-in timers so that brushes will turn off after two minutes has elapsed, ensuring that you brush your teeth for the correct time. They also both feature quadrant timers, meaning that they will gently remind you to begin cleaning a different area of your mouth every thirty seconds. Best of all, both Oral-B and Philips offer a two-year warranty, as well as a money back guarantee if you don’t get on with the product (Oral-B offers a 60-day money back guarantee and Philips 28 days).

Electric Toothbrush vs Manual Toothbrush

Are you thinking of upgrading your manual toothbrush to an electric toothbrush? If so, you might be interested to learn the pros and cons of each option.

Benefits of Electric Toothbrushes

The main advantage is that an electric toothbrush leaves your teeth cleaner and more hygienic than a standard manual brush. In fact, according to most dental professionals, plaque is removed better and faster with an electric brush and in some cases brushes are better at getting to hard to reach areas. Cleaner teeth means improved dental health, but it also means whiter, less stained teeth, reduced likelihood of gum disease and fresher breath.

Electric toothbrushes do much of the brushing for you, making them easier to use. Users still have to guide the brush around their teeth, but the brush does the thinking for you. Many electric toothbrushes use oscillating rotation or similar to brush your teeth more effectively than can ever be done with a manual toothbrush. Electric options are also better for those with reduced mobility in their arms and/or hands.

A major benefit of electric toothbrushes is that they can be used by everyone in the house, with specific models for children. Children often find the novelty of using an electric brush means they brush for longer and ultimately have better oral health as a result.

Benefits of Manual Toothbrushes

The outlay for a manual toothbrush is arguably a lot less than that of an electric one. Although it will need changing every three months, according to official advice. Once you have paid for your electric toothbrush however, changing the heads every three months will cost around the same as replacing quality manual toothbrushes.

As you can see, the benefits of an electric toothbrush certainly outweigh the benefits of a manual one. Those that want cleaner teeth, less staining, healthier gums and all round better dental hygiene will find that an electric toothbrush is the winner. Whichever you choose to go for, remember to replace the brush or brush head every three months, to brush twice a day for at least two minutes and to visit a dentist and a hygienist every six months.

Top 10 Electric Toothbrushes

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If you’ve decided to switch from manual brushing or replace your old model, you’ll want the best electric toothbrush you can get, but there are a lot of confusing options to select from. This list runs down the top ten choices for the best electric toothbrush in the USA to help you make your decision.

Best Electric Toothbrush

10. Oral-B Pro 7000 SmartSeries

At the higher end of the Oral-B Bluetooth series, this brush kit adds a host of extra features for your money, with a massive six operating modes including deep clean, whitening and tongue cleaning. It also comes with a selection of heads and, of course, all the habit tracking and routine improvement possibilities that Bluetooth connectivity brings.

PROS

3 cleaning modes Audible warning when to change quadrant and when cycle is complete With 2 brush heads in the box and storage options

CONS

Lacks any real wow factor No indication of how much power is in the brush There is no physical timer to tell you that the clean is complete

8. Waterpik Complete Care Sonic Toothbrush

This is the best electric toothbrush option for those who want a complete oral hygiene system in one. Reaching plaque that manual brushes and ordinary floss can’t, the unit has a powerful sonic toothbrush and separate water flosser built into a single unit to save space while keeping your mouth as healthy as can be.

PROS

The tips can be easily removed The pause button is extremely useful feature Water reservoir holds plenty of water

CONS

No separate charger for the toothbrush Holding clamp of the water flosser does not always hold it securely Not portable

7. Philips Sonicare HealthyWhite

Another entry in the Sonicare range, this toothbrush adds a Clean and White mode with proven stain-removing ability, perfect if you want to keep your teeth sparkling. It also has three different power settings, so you can adjust the brushing speed to your comfort.

PROS

Whitening feature 3 different intensities Phenomenal battery life

CONS

Just two modes No additional brush heads The cost of replacement brush heads is high

6. Oral-B Black Pro 1000

Angled cross-action bristles help you clean your teeth more thoroughly, and 3D cleaning action puts them to work efficiently. A pressure sensor and timer stop you brushing too hard or for too long, and the stylish black design looks smart in your bathroom.

PROS

CONS

Huge gap near the charging area Just one cleaning mode No additional brush heads

5. Philips Sonicare 2 Series

This member of the Sonicare family comes with a ProResults brush head for more effective cleaning. It also has a two-minute timer for optimum brushing, and power that slowly increases over your first 14 uses, making it easier to switch from a manual brush.

PROS

Does remove a great deal more plaque than manual brushing Guides you through the process to ensure you get the best results As it builds up power the transfer from manual toothbrush to electric one is seamless

CONS

Needs to be recharged as soon as the bristles indicate low battery charge No sensitive brushing mode Brush heads are too expensive

4. Oral-B Pro 5000 SmartSeries

Bluetooth connectivity lets you take your brushing to the next level, earning this product serious consideration in your hunt for the best electric toothbrush. Smartphone integration lets you keep track of your brushing habits, while 3D action and five operating modes help you brush effectively.

CONS

No indication of power in the brush, unless the battery is near to being depleted Relatively short battery life There is no indicator on the toothbrush to show whether Bluetooth is on or off

3. Oral-B Pro 1000 Power

A clinically proven 3D cleaning action provides oscillating, rotating and pulsing motion to remove up to 300 percent more plaque than a standard toothbrush. An integrated timer lets you know when it’s time to switch mouth areas, and a pressure sensor alerts you if you’re brushing too hard.

PROS

It has rubber and plastic grip so it is easy to hold when wet Built in timer that tells you to change the area of the mouth you are cleaning Good value

CONS

Just one cleaning mode Limited box contents There is no visible pressure sensor, meaning you can’t easily tell if you are brushing too hard

2. Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser

Not a toothbrush per se but a highly effective alternative to standard flossing, the Waterpik Aquarius provides excellent interdental cleaning as part of a full oral hygiene routine. This version has a compact design, pressure control, and built-in timer. It makes an excellent companion to whatever you decide is the best electric toothbrush for you.

PROS

Trusted brand. A leader in the field for over 50 years Budget friendly Nice design and easy to use

CONS

Limited tip storage in unit Can be considered noisy to some Large unit so more to clean and maintain

1. Philips Sonicare Essence Sonic

With its patented sonic technology, the Sonicare range delivers efficient deep cleaning between teeth and below the gumline. This model offers entry-level access to all the benefits of Sonicare technology, with two weeks of power between charges and a high-quality standard head included.

4 Things to Cleaning Teeth

There are many benefits of having your teeth professionally cleaned, improving both your dental and overall health. Dental cleaning can help to remove plaque that regular brushing does not, increasing the prevention of cavities and gum disease.

If you do not have a regular, professional, dental clean – you will get a build-up of plaque which can lead to gum disease and eventually tooth loss. Both gum disease and tooth loss can be incredibly painful experiences, and expensive to take care of at the dentists.

Dental hygiene is very much focussed on preventative techniques to help improve the longevity of your oral health. The more often you have a dental clean, the more likely you are to save yourself from the costs, time and pain involved with failing oral health.

4 Things to Cleaning Teeth

Finding The Best Electric Toothbrush for Kids

For us adults, there is still a lot of speculation about how much more effective the electric toothbrush is versus the manual toothbrush. However, the vote is in for kids and experts and parents are mostly in agreement that the electric toothbrush is an optimal choice for younger children.

Clearly, if you’re on the look for the best electric toothbrush for your kid, then you are concerned about their oral hygiene. Proper care of your kid’s teeth in addition to healthy habits will effectively assist in protecting them against gum diseases, cavities and plaque. Of course, most kids don’t really enjoy brushing their teeth but a good electric toothbrush is one way to entice and encourage them to brush often.

Exploring the Top Brands for Electric Toothbrushes for Kids

Most of the leading manufacturers of electric toothbrushes such as Philips, Oral-B and Colgate, continue to bring innovative designs that upgrade the functions of these battery-operated devices. Fortunately, that means you can find a wide variety of options to fit your kid’s needs and won’t be stuck for choice. With all their exciting new features, power toothbrushes are able to take the hassle out of cleaning your child’s teeth.

Usually available in several bright colors or cartoon-inspired themes for customization, these electric toothbrushes are very appealing to kids. They also sometimes have music or chimes that accompany them and make it more fun for kids, encouraging them to brush longer and reach prescribed time frame. Obviously, lengthier and more frequent brushing leads to better dental hygiene and simultaneously, results in excellent-looking teeth which is something every parent wants for their kid.

Starting your Kids with the Right Brush at the Right Age

At any rate, electric toothbrushes are not necessarily designed for children below three years old. The youngest toddlers (age 2 and below) still require help brushing, so manual toothbrushes could be especially useful here. Even at age three, kids often similarly parental supervision as they struggle with using the electric toothbrush properly.

There are a number of choices out there, but reading reviews and observations from parents who have tried out some of the top selling choices, the best electric toothbrush for growing kids is arguably the Philips Sonicare Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush. To demonstrate just how overwhelming the consensus on this particular brush is, an estimated 91% of dental professionals who have children claim that this is their preferred brush for their own kids. Even more impressive is the fact that 98% of parents agree that this brush has been successful in getting their kids to brush their teeth better, and for longer periods of time.

A Closer Look at the Philips Sonicare; What’s Great and Not So Great

The newest model of the Sonicare is the HX6321/02. It works really well for kids of course, as it was specifically designed for them. Another advantage of the Sonicare for Kids is that it is very customizable, it comes with ten interchangeable stickers so your child can alter the appearance of the toothbrush. Its music feature also assists with brushing sessions as it plays a different chime when it’s time to reach for different areas of the mouth.

An effective built-in timer with intervals, a feature that is popular with the adult versions, is likewise present in the Sonicare for Kids. Also, this model has multiple brushing modes, one is gentler (suited for kids from age 4 and up) while the other more powerful mode is better suited to kids from age 7.

The brush uses Philips’ patented sonic technology (500 brush strokes per second) to allow your kids reach difficult-to-brush areas and remove plaque better. As far as comfort goes, the brush heads are shaped to fit perfectly and provide comfortable touch to kids’ teeth with their soft bristles. On the whole, one of the most popular features is the easy-start function which starts of slow for beginners and gradually increases the required brushing time on the KidTimer and intensity (KidPacer) over the course of 90 days.

Beyond all the great features in this toothbrush, there is one slight hitch with the latest feature in the upgraded model. Bluetooth connectivity can often be a pain in the Sonicare HX6321/02 as the Philips Sonicare For Kids app (available for both iOS and Android), does not function optimally. With this in mind, don’t expect seamless pairing with this brush if you intend to use the animated app and its interactive educational features. Overall, it is still a great toothbrush when compared to the older Philips Sonicare for Kids HX6311/07 and because of what we suspect is more supply & availability, it is also cheaper (from $39.95 on Amazon, Walmart).

Indeed the new Sonicare for kids beats the competition on many levels, but where price is concerned most Oral-B offerings remain cheaper. For this reason, some parents prefer to go for the Oral-B Kids Pro-Health Electric Toothbrush or the rechargeable models in their Vitality range, all of which you could take a look at if you’re in the market for a good power toothbrush.

If you decide to peer through online reviews when doing more of your own research, you’d find that the older model of the Sonicare for kids still has the best ratings. This is in part due to the parents who complain in their reviews about the new brush’s connectivity. They claim to have experienced lagging and poor connections, especially with the Android version of the app. Consequently, you may think you want to stick with the older model, but in fact you would have to pay a lot more for it, (about $97) because of its current limited availability.

In the end, our pick for the best electric toothbrush for kids, the Philips Sonicare HX6321/02, outperforms the rest in doing its primary job of cleaning your child’s teeth. Hence, it should be your choice if you’re looking for performance and premier quality.